Christine Feehan's Blog, page 22

Favorite Fictional Couples - Author's Choice!

There are some characters that stick with you long after you’ve read the book. And there are some couples who leave an imprint on you because their journey, conflict or love affair touched your heart in some way that every time you think of them you believe in the power of love.
It’s Romance Week and I wanted to invite my friends and fellow storytellers to share a favorite or memorable romantic couple with us. And I invite you to comment with your own favorite fictional couple!


CHRISTINE FEEHAN -




My favorite couple is Lauren and Tate from Kristen Ashley’s Sweet Dreams. I love the uniqueness of this couple.






JONATHAN MABERRY-



I’m a sucker for Shakespeare and my favorite literary couple appear in my favorite play by the Bard of Avon –Beatrice and Benedict in Much Ado About Nothing. They are both whip-smart, incredibly snarky, very independent, very much their own people, and yet very much in love. The process of them falling in love is, admittedly, a bit like a love affair between two runaway trains on a collision course, but it is so much fun and, beneath all the sarcasm, there is real love there.



ANNE ELIZABETH -



Two of my favorite romance novels are by Christine Feehan- Dark Prince and Dark Gold. In both of these stories, the manner in which the heroes and heroines have to fight for love—to wade through their own hurdles with a determination to become one—literally takes my breath away. Feehan’s ability to hold readers at the edge of our seats while she fills our hearts and heads with emotional upheaval and passionate fervor is transcendent. I could read these books again and again, and each time I always find these brilliant nuances that draw me deeper into the characters and the stories. What a mind-blowing author with astoundingly original and unforgettable creations!



LORI FOSTER -



I've been on a historical reading kick lately, and I've been devouring Johanna Lindsey novels, most recently MAKE ME LOVE YOU. Fantastic read, but my fave historical couple ifs James Mallory and Georgina "George" Anderson from Gentle Rogue. Even during a reread, they make me laugh. Just wonderful!




CARRIE ANN RYAN-




Lucas and Sasha from the PsyChangling series by Nalini Singh was the first couple to come to mind. I fall in love with them every time I reread or listen to the series. I think the series is into it’s 14th book or so with a spin off series coming soon and yet the first couple of the entire saga will always be my favorite. Lucas is so growly and protective and yet LOVES the fact that Sasha is strong in her own right. Sasha is learning to live with emotions for the first time in her life and throughout their book and the series, grows into this fierce and fantastic woman that I can only admire and want to emulate in my own life. These two are wonderfully in love, hot between the sheets, and seriously strong. I love everything about them.



J KENNER-




I absolutely adore J.D. Robb’s In Death series, starting Eve Dallas and Roarke. Why? Because hello? Awesomeness. Seriously, their romance is intense, their chemistry off the charts. They’re both smart and fiesta and sexy, and even though she sees the world in black and white (or did; she’s changing) and he’s very shades of gray, they mesh together brilliantly. And did I say hot?




JON LAND-



Crawford Hunt and Holly Spencer in FRICTION by Sandra Brown: The mismatched relationship between Texas Ranger Hunt and sitting judge Spencer opens explosively amid a courtroom shootout and sparks more conflict and fireworks from that point on. No romance works better, in my mind, than one centered around the flaws of characters who live their lives amid the ambiguous shade of gray, instead of black or white.



KAREN ROSE-



Elena and Raphael from Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series.





SARA HUMPHREYS-



I’ve read a number of excellent romance novels with memorable characters but there’s one couple that stands out above all the rest—Ken and Mari from Deadly Game by Christine Feehan. I’m a sucker for a broken hero and and a kick ass heroine and Feehan is a master at writing both. Watching those two wounded people, who have skillfully guarded their hearts, slowly but surely learn to trust and open up to each other was nothing short of spellbinding. It’s one of the only books that I’ve read when I actually shouted out loud when they got together.



CL WILSON-



Limiting to just one is virtually impossible. Of course, there is Jacques and Shea from Christine Feehan’s fabulous DARK DESIRE. I love love tortured heroes, and Jacques, quite literally, has been tortured nearly unto madness. I love how their connection draws Shea from half a world away, and how determined she is to save him. It has a very beauty and the beast feel, which is one of my favorite fairy tales. Jacques will always be my pookie face, the one who made me fall totally head over heels in love with the Carpathians. (And Christine knows he’s mine, mine, all mine! Well, Shea can have him sometimes.) Other favorite couples include Derek Craven and Sarah Fielding from Lisa Kleypas’s fabulous, DREAMING ABOUT YOU. And more recently, Charles and Anna from Patricia Brigg’s Alpha and Omega Series, and Kate Daniels and Curran from Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, and Dragos and Pia from Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series.



KATIE RUGGLE-



Elinor Pembroke and Captain Miles Ramsay (Burning Bright by Melissa McShane) are my current favorite book couple. Why? Because they straight-up like each other. It’s easy to understand why, too; they’re both extremely likeable people. Elinor, when presented with Life Option A and Life Option B (both were gross), decided to go with Life Option Z—and then made it happen. She’s a badass in a drama-free, ethical way, always doing the right thing without making a fuss over it. Miles is respectful and clever and forthright, destroying any possibility of a dramatic misunderstanding simply by immediately telling the truth. As if this list of admirable qualities isn’t enough, he literally walks through fire for the woman he loves. That has to be worth at least fifty bonus hero points right there.

Nice work, Miss Pembroke and Captain Ramsay. You win my favorite couple award, just by being your awesome selves.




SHEILA ENGLISH-



Kev Merripen and Winnifred Hathaway from Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas. I love the quiet, sacrificing hero who doesn’t think he deserves the heroine and the quiet-but-strong heroine who longs for the hero. I love all of the Hathaway characters but these two hold a special place in my heart. If you love historical romance you need to read Seduce Me at Sunrise…or anything else Lisa Kleypas writes!





JOANNA WYLDE-



My favorite romance couple are Lauren and Tate from Kristen Ashley's Sweet Dreams. When I first read that book, I was struck with how different their story was from almost every other couple I'd read up to that point--they're older, it's their second chance at love and they're both in personal transition. Throw in incredible romantic tension and super steamy scenes on top of all that, and you have a book that truly stands out.



DONNA GRANT-





My favorite fiction couple is Mac and Barron's from Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. I love Mac's tenacity and loyalty, and her character arc is so wonderfully written. Then there's Barron's. You don't know if you want Mac to trust him, and then you fall in love with him like the best kind of character - slowly, savoring him word by word, and discovering all of his wonderful, amazing, scary, delightful layers. With each book you see just how much Barron's loves Mac and that he'll walk the depths of Hell and disregard any and all rules for her. Because there is so much to explore about these two characters, I can't pick just one book. It has to be the entire series.




REBECCA ZANETTI-




My favorite fiction couple is Ian and Charlotte Taggart from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series. I like Ian because he's hilarious in a tough-guy, heart of gold, totally Alpha way. I love Charlotte because she's sensitive, smart, and knows how to wield a nail gun against an international assassin. Their story is called LOVE AND LET DIE, and I re-read it every chance I get.



CD REISS-



Right now I love Elder and Pim from Pennies and Dollars by Pepper Winters. They’re not normal, just so you know. She was held captive for two years and he rescued her to make her a captive. She hasn’t uttered a word or sound in those two years and more than having sex with her, Elder wants her to SPEAK. The tension is off the charts and I cannot wait for the next in the series.


Who are your favorite couples? Have you read all the books mentioned by our guest authors? Are you surprised at any of the couples chosen?
Now I invite you to tell us who you love as a couple!

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Romance and Character: Lessons Learned from Dark Promises, Power Game and Bound Together

Each romance is special and that includes the romance you find between my hero and heroine for each book I write. The couple is as unique together as they are as individuals and what each couple learns or teaches us about romance is varied as well.
In celebration of #RomanceWeek 2017 I wanted to share the lessons I feel these couples teach us (or at least me).

DARK PROMISES

Couple – Aleksei and Gabrielle

This couple started out so very different from each other. Aleksei is an ancient near the end of his time. He knows very little of the world outside the monastery where he has sequestered himself.
Gabrielle is a modern women who never wanted to be part of the Carpathian world. She wanted to remain human and have a normal, human life. But, circumstances took that from her and the only thing she had left to hope for was a human relationship. When that relationship is denied her she grasps at what she has longed for.
Aleksei is certain Gabrielle has betrayed him and likely cost him his life.
Gabrielle is certain that a Carpathian male like Aleksei is her worst nightmare.

LESSON: We often close the door on possibility when we become determined to force what we want into reality. What you think you want for your life isn’t always what’s best for you and you have to be open minded to that. Be open to the love offered instead of entrenched in one that can never be. I think everyone at some time in their life has learned this lesson, certainly I have.

There is a second couple in Dark Promises- Fane and Trixie

Outwardly this couple appears so very different from each other. Trixie is a great grandmother, but tenacious, independent and has a great sense of the theatrical which makes much of what she does hilarious. Fane is ancient and appears younger, though he is, in reality, hundreds of years older. Fane depends on structure in his life as he oversees the monastery and its dangerous inhabitants. He is stoic and serious and very, very determined.
Trixie is certain the only love left to her is that of family and she will fight the devil himself to save her beloved granddaughter. Even if that devil is achingly handsome. At her age, she knows better than to give in to good looks and a silver tongue.
Trixie is sure that Fane is dangerous, both to her life and to her heart. Because he appears younger and is so handsome she feels she’s too old for a love affair.
Fane has lived a long time without color, hope or love so when Trixie appears and he realizes she is his lifemate he knows this is his one chance at true love and to save his very soul. Now, he just has to convince her that they are destined for one another.

LESSON: Never resign yourself not finding love. Don’t let your view of yourself hinder your potential no matter your circumstances whether it be age or illness. Love and the potential for true love does not diminish with time. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. And never lose your ability to find humor in things…including yourself.
Dark Promises is out in paperback Feb. 21st.
Dark Promises

POWER GAME


Couple – Ezekiel and Bellisia

Having two very strong personalities Ezekiel and Bellisia were actually quite similar in many things. Unfortunately, those things were often what put them in conflict with each other. Both have a strong protective instinct and a desire to save others without having others risk themselves. Bellisia grew up thinking the Ghostwalker program was very dangerous and that Ghostwalkers can’t be trusted. Ezekiel has a strong loyalty to his Ghostwalker team and would die or kill to protect them.
Bellisia saves Ezekiel’s life despite her fear of capture by Ghostwalkers she doesn’t trust just to find her nightmare come true and she becomes imprisoned by Ezekiel’s team; a betrayal she blames Ezekiel for.
Ezekiel must choose between a mission that would save lives and remaining behind so Bellisia doesn’t have to be imprisoned until the team returns. He is put into a position of ensuring his team’s safety and proving to Bellisia he cares for her.

LESSON: Trust and partnership are essential to building a relationship and sometimes that trust must extend to that person’s inner-circle as well. It’s important to always have each other’s back and to feel you are equals.

Power Game is currently available in hardback, ebook and audiobook.
Power Game

BOUND TOGETHER

Couple- Viktor and Blythe

Some love affairs burn hot and immediate, and the embers of the aftermath when it all goes wrong can burn forever. Viktor and Blythe’s relationship was one that was overpowering for them both, but built on deception because Viktor was on a mission and Blythe was a way to reach his target. But, Viktor finds he’s lost his heart to Blythe before he must move on to the next mission and his messages to her asking her to wait for him are never received, so Blythe is left heartbroken and devastated. Then, years later Viktor returns, once again on a mission, but this time he plans on claiming Blythe. Blythe thought their marriage was a farce and has moved on, so when she sees Viktor on his motorcycle, sexier than ever, she knows to protect her heart at all cost.

Blythe has endured tragedy Viktor has no idea of and heartache she feels he could never comprehend. So, finding out their marriage is real and not only does he want her back, he wants her to help him care for an entire band of misfits and outcasts does not encourage her to forgive him.
Viktor would do anything to have the one good thing he’s ever known in his life: Blythe. She was unexpected, amazing and he has no plans on giving up on getting her back. But, when he finds out what she’s endured in his absence, and what danger she and the entire town of Sea Haven are in, he realizes he might have to give up everything to make things right.
LESSON: Sometimes we hurt those we love most. The road to redemption can be long and cost more than you imagined. That forgiveness can be difficult to give when you’re still hurting. But, without redemption and forgiveness love can’t exist. And that family isn’t always something we’re born into. Sometimes family is what we define for ourselves with those we choose to bring in and keep with us.

Bound Together will be released in paperback March 21st.

Romance couples always have conflict, both inner and outside and part of what I love about romance novels is that we, as readers, get to see how those couples must overcome their own issues and find courage that will allow them to have the love they long for.
Can you name some romance novel couples that you feel taught you a valuable lesson about love?
Bound Together

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Power Game Hard Cover and Trailer

I’m getting excited now that January is near. Power Game features Ezekiel and takes place in New Orleans. The heroine has never been heard of before, but she brings with her new information for the Ghostwalkers that is critical and a game-changer to them all.




Without giving too much away, because I do want the book trailer to surprise you, we will be seeing some familiar faces and there will be some things that surprise even seasoned Ghostwalker series readers. So, if you’ve not seen the book trailer, please watch it before reading the rest of this blog.

Power Game Book Trailer

If you didn’t catch it, that’s Violet betraying the Ghostwalkers. But, she’s got more up her sleeve and even Whitney won’t see this coming.

Yes, someone dies. No, I can’t tell you who. But, it couldn’t be avoided. And it makes sense to the story. It had to happen.

The publisher decided it was time to put the Ghostwalkers into hard cover and though I know not everyone will be happy about the change, having the publisher want to take that step is a real compliment to an author. I’m proud they feel the series should progress to hard cover. But, I am also sensitive to what it means to my loyal readers. There will be a paperback edition, just like it is with the Carpathian novels. But, it comes a few months later. Please don’t forget your local library. And there are used book stores that you can check with a week or two after the book is out. Not everyone keeps the hardback editions.

Writing and Staying Healthy

I’m not a fitness guru whatsoever, but I am a writer who spends hours a day sitting at a computer. I know that, after a while, my mind starts to wander and I need to do whatever it takes to stay focused.



Some people will use caffeine or energy drinks or sugar boosts in the form of tasty treats, but I can’t do that. That actually just makes things worse for me.

After talking to my doctor I was able to come up with a regiment of daily, healthy habits. First of all I write every-other-hour. I start at 8 AM and my last power hour is from 5 to 6 p.m. There are days in which I write more, but at a minimum I write 5 hours a day, five days a week.

In between my writing time I get up and walk my dogs, do my daily errands, have my meals and I have a work out area where I get in at least 1 ½ hours a day on cardio equipment and/or swimming.

Sitting in a chair for hours on end is a disaster for me. I have to have more movement in my life to keep healthy and stay focused. What’s I do to stay healthy may be different from what you do, but I think it’s important to have a plan that includes taking care of your health.

Writing with Friends part 2 of 2

Power Hour

"

Our writer’s retreats were so successful and fun we wanted to do more of them, but we all live so far from each other. A few years ago two of our Starfish club members decided they would meet halfway between Kentucky and Atlanta and sequester themselves in a hotel for the weekend just to write. They kept it simple and just determined they would write an hour, take a break, write an hour and so on. They set goals, did word counts after sessions and encouraged each other while also bouncing ideas off each other. That was such a success that it was suggested we do the same thing from the comfort of our homes.

Power hours were born! Each morning a central person will do a conference call to all of those who participate. We tell each other our word count or goal for the hour session, hang up, work like crazy and then call in at the end of the hour to report on how well we did.

Sometimes you can make that hour, sometimes you can’t, but at least you know you’ll get some writing in that day. Your story moves forward, your book gets written and completed.

"

In between those hours I edit. I also edit in the evenings and do my research.

I’ve been able to increase the number of books I write annually because of the power hours, the retreats and my strict schedule for writing. It helps to have that encouragement and support along the way.

"

Writing with Friends Part 1 of 2

Writer’s Retreats



Over ten years ago four friends decided to set aside time once a year for a private writer retreat. I was one of those four. We call it the Starfish Club, a name tied to a story about a boy throwing dying starfish into the sea regardless of the fact he couldn’t save them all. The gist of it is that we couldn’t help everyone, but we could help each other and we would. That one person can make all the difference sometimes.

We were pretty disciplined about the writing over the 4-5 days we’d be together. Each person would come with something we’d all read and review and be ready to discuss, and sometimes someone would bring an idea for a story and pitch it to the group for feedback. Each person got 2 rounds of concentrated time for themselves. And it was fun to have support from other writers who knew the challenges to writing, the industry, life and all the things in between.



We had schedules for work, for meals and for play. We became like sisters and those retreats became extremely valuable.

Starfish has evolved over time and we’ve added people here and there, some of dropped out, some have joined other groups. But, we still meet up and now we try for twice a year. This year starfish consisted of myself, Sheila English, Susan Edwards, Karen Rose and Kathie Firzlaff. My son Brian has joined us, Cheryl Wilson is an original Starfish and there’ve been others here and there. Everyone brings something different to the group, which is wonderful.

We all treat these get-togethers as work. We’re professionals and keep to our schedules and are very serious about helping each other. But, we are also friends so there may be some goofing off that goes on when we’re not working. Okay, maybe a lot. How wonderful it is to have great friends, wonderful stories and lots of laughter!

Choosing to be a Professional Author

As I get up each morning to write, I think about my choices. As a writer you are self-employed. You must have discipline and keep to a schedule just as though you were going to work outside the home. I choose to get up early. I have several dogs that need to be taken care of before my own day can start.




I choose to get dressed and fix my hair, put on make-up and ready myself as though I’m going out to work. I do this for many reasons. One is that it helps me mentally prepare to work. But, it also keeps me ready in case I want to go out for a walk, or maybe have lunch with a friend. It’s important to have some kind of exercise during the day, and some social interaction. So, I dress like I’m going to work and I’m prepared for whatever comes my way.

I choose to have a set schedule. I know myself, and I prefer to have a schedule that I keep to so that I know the rhythm of my day. I keep to that schedule. I try to be very disciplined in this because it helps me stay focused, keep deadlines, take care of myself and move forward in all that I do. I write a lot of books each year, as many of you know. I’m often asked how I do it. I am lucky that I am a relatively fast writer and that my environment is set up to accommodate my work, but the biggest reason I can write so many books each year is because I dedicate time to doing it. That’s me. That’s how things work in my life. It doesn’t mean it will work for everyone.

Writing is my job. It’s my profession, my career, my livelihood. It’s not a hobby. I would love to say that it’s all about the art of storytelling, but it’s not. Not entirely. Yes, you want to enjoy your art, your ability to tell stories, but as a professional, you have to dedicate yourself to being strict about deadlines, commitments, research and putting words to the page. I sometimes write when I don’t really feel like it. Just like I’m sure there are other professions where you show up to work on days you wish you didn’t have to. But, you still show up. As a writer you must show up. Yes, there are times in which you’re sick, or have had a family issue and you can make exceptions. But, you stay disciplined so that, when those days come that you need to have a day off, you can without feeling bad about it.

I choose to treat my writing as a professional career. I take it seriously. I work hard at writing, research, marketing, social media, staying in touch with readers. And when I’m not doing those things I get to be me; Christine Feehan, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and all those things we truly live for.

If you are a writer you know how dedicated you must be. You choose to be professional, you suck it up when you have deadlines, and you write even when you don’t feel like it. And in the end, when a reader contacts you to say they loved your book, character or a particular scene, in that moment it’s all worth that extra effort. And in that moment you are glad for your choices.

30 Books of Dark

Dark Carousel is the 30th novel in my Dark series, also called the Carpathian novels. I wrote the first in the series, Dark Prince, in the late 1990’s during a very difficult time in my life. I’d lost my son and writing became a sort of anchor for me. I’d always written, even as a child, but this time I wanted to write about warriors who couldn’t die, and who would save the world. And in return, if the warrior was honorable, he stood the chance of finding the greatest gift there is; love.




It didn’t occur to me that Dark Prince would be published. My best friend, Kathie, encouraged me to turn it in and I relented. I can honestly say that I was shocked when I received a call from Dorchester Publishing in New York offering me a contract.
My next book, Dark Desire, was published not long after and there began my journey as a career novelist. I realized I had more stories about this amazing race and I knew I could write in this world without ever tiring of it.

Each novel in the series meant something to me. They were characters I wanted to give life to and wanted people to care about. Dark Gold was next, and by this time I was hearing back from readers on what they loved and how they felt about the book, the world, the characters. So many readers were interested in a character who’d shown up in the previous books; Gregori. Gregori was, at the time, a very dark and foreboding character. He still is, but he’s mellowed a bit with marriage, like so many of us do. Lol I also realized how important hearing from my readers was to me.



Dark Magic won many awards and hit several bestseller’s list, though not the New York Times. But, readers loved it and so I kept writing. It would be Dark Fire, the 6th book in the series that would make it onto the NY Times bestseller list first. Since that time, Dark Prince was reissued and hit the NY Times list, as did Dark Dreamers, and all those that came after.
It’s always a challenge to evolve such a long-running series, but if you love it and you’re committed to it, you find a way. Writers have a big imagination, so the opportunity for growth was infinite. We started with our Carpathians nearly extinct, then found a conspiracy as to why, the series went from primarily paranormal romance with an edge of urban fantasy to paranormal romance having dragons and mages and eventually lycanthropes.

With Dark Carousel I introduce something new to the picture, and something old-made-new again. We deal with magic and curses and threats to Carpathians and humans alike. But, what is constant is the promise I make with each of these novels; a happily ever after ending where love triumphs and heroes are rewarded with the love they fought so hard for.


Dark Prince
Dark Magic
Dark Carousel

If you would like to discuss any of of my novels I do hope you'll join my online community where thousands of readers come to talk about the stories they enjoy.
Feehan Community

My ThrillerFest Experience

I don’t travel much, but when I do I try to make the most of the trip. I had been told about ThrillerFest, a conference for thriller writers and readers, for several years. I read many genres, but some of my favorite authors are thriller writers and when a friend of mine invited me to attend this year, enticing me with the names of several authors I admire, I finally said “yes!” and we began making plans.

I was asked to be on a couple of panels and I truly enjoyed them. My GhostWalker series, Sea Haven series and my Shadow Rider series are both romantic suspense thrillers, so I found the entire experience helpful and fun. I was welcomed with enthusiasm and found everyone there to be gracious.


My panel on Friday was “Werewolves, Vampires or Witches? Thrillers on the Wild Side” moderated by Heather Graham. Other people on the panel included Kelley Armstrong, Mell Corcoran, Alex Gordon and Alexandra Ivy. The panel was fun in that the questions were out of the ordinary and meant to showcase our opinions on the supernatural, both real and imagined.


My panel on Saturday was “Guns, Sex or Both? The Attraction of Romantic Suspense”, which was extraordinary in the advice given to aspiring writers looking to write suspense and wanting to know what should or shouldn’t be in it. The moderator was Allison Brennan and other panelists included Lexi Blake, Anne Cleeland, Arlene Kay, Karen Rose and Rebecca York.



Panels I attended included “Army, Navy or Air Force? Military Thrillers” which was such an amazing panel and included A.J. Tata, Brian Andrews, Walt Gragg, Michael Byars Lewis, David McCaleb, Ralph Pezzullo and Jeffrey Wilson. These men have practical experience and so much knowledge. I spoke with several of them after the panel and many gave me their cards so I can contact them if I need help with research.


I also attended “Popcorn, Tickets or Trailers? Books and Movies, Movies and Books” and learned a great deal about having a book options, the good, bad and ugly. The panelists knew a great deal about the world of movies and TV series and included David Morrell , Lawrence Block, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Peter James, Arvam Ludwig and John Sandford.


I met so many authors that I admire and even found a few that I was a bit nervous to meet. But everyone was approachable, gracious and kind.

I did a book signing in Jersey City on Thursday, then on Friday and Saturday signed at the Hyatt during ThrillerFest. It was wonderful to be sitting next to John Lescroart signing, or signing at a table with RL Stine, Kelley Armstrong and Allison Brennan.

The parties were fun and I ran into several people I knew including Tess Gerritsen, Kat Martin, Michael & Kathleen Gear. And I met wonderful new friends MJ Rose, Steve Berry and Jon Land.


It’s always a bit overwhelming the first time you attend a large event like this, but it was worth it and I recommend the event to aspiring writers, writers looking to network and people who just want to really have a great time with amazing readers and writers of the thriller genre.

All You Need is Love…Love Is All You Need

All You Need is Love…Love Is All You Need
That and a romance novel

I love romance for so many reasons, but one of the main reasons is that I know I will get a “happily ever after” ending that allows me to feel good, to hope, to believe. When the news scares me to watch or causes me to despair, I can curl up with a good romance novel and escape. I realize life needs to be addressed and we need to be present in our own lives, paying attention and being active in what happens around us. But, sometimes that takes a toll on us in a way that drains our positive energy, and if you can’t find a way to recharge your battery, so to speak, you can become drained of hope.


I’ve seen so many posts about how frivolous romance novels are. There are people who think romance novels are only about sex and kissing and a woman’s need for love. They are so much more than just that. And what the heck is wrong with sex and kissing and a woman’s need for love? Romance novels offer hope as they teach us love is important. It’s important enough to fight for, to change for. Love is the great catalyst of hope, just as hope is the great precursor to love, the great answer to it.



A good romance novel offers an escape into hope, potential, compromise, growth and love. It leaves you feeling good and positive about life and it’s potential. With so much anger and negativity in the world, who wouldn’t want to give a good romance novel to someone they care for? Give them happiness and hope. And to those who think romance novels are trivial and silly, I feel sorry for you. You are missing out on some wonderful feelings of hope and joy and love.
Shadow Rider